Your Voice Inflection is Important

A simple way to keep your elevator pitch interesting and fresh is by concentrating on your voice inflection. As an Elevator Pitch Coach, I really believe that voice inflection is a big part of what separates a good elevator pitch from a bad one. Your voice is basically “the star of the show” when you deliver your pitch, so concentrating on how you sound is incredibly important.

I’ve seem people be completely tuned out if they sound too soft (can’t be heard) or too monotone (think robot!). Keep these ideas in mind when working on your inflection:

Make sure you are heard: While you don’t need to shout, you do want to make sure that the volume of your voice matches the room setting. If you’re introducing yourself to just one person, obviously use your normal speaking voice, but kick it up just a notch – doing so will instill confidence. If you’re introducing yourself to a room full of people, be sure that you’re raising your voice enough to cover the entire room – especially those poor souls in the back of the room; they don’t want to have to strain to hear you. Make sure to make adjustments if you’re given a microphone – you don’t need to yell to be heard.

Speak clearly: Be sure to enunciate clearly – if you mumble, you run the risk of people tuning you out because they can’t determine what you’re saying.

Place emphasis on key words: Take a look at your elevator pitch. Are there key words that you should put emphasis on? Raising your inflection on key words will not only garner attention to your pitch, but will also encourage interest in what you have to offer.

Sound upbeat: You have a better shot at gaining interest in what you do if you sound like you enjoy it. I have been really surprised to see normally super passionate people become incredibly monotone when delivering their elevator pitch. Maybe it’s a lack of confidence or a bit of anxiety in having to deliver an elevator pitch to a room full of people, but it’s not going to get any better if people are turned off by lack of enthusiasm. People like to be around happy people, and if you sound happy to be in that networking situation and to tell people what you do, you’ll naturally deliver an effective elevator pitch.

There are many different ways to work on your voice inflection. First: practice, practice, practice: ask a family member or colleague to listen to your elevator pitch and have them evaluation your tone of voice. You can also practice by reading aloud on occasion to listen to your inflection. Organizations like Toastmasters can also assist you in practicing and improving your voice inflection (and your overall elevator pitch).

And of course, I’m available to help as well!

Working on your voice inflection will give you many rewards, including confidence, so say it loud and proud!

(c) 2008 Barbara Beal-Lopez, The Elevator Pitch Coach with Brightfarm Productions, helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact. Everything in business starts with an introduction. If you’re ready to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortably, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com and sign up for free weekly tips.